Finally Debt Law Is On The Site Of The Consumer
Doug Smith

Defined Tag: Debt Law.

Debt law is one of the most misunderstood aspects of owing money to creditors. Most consumers feel that such laws benefit only the creditors and their rights to collect debts by any means possible. Did you know that debtor laws work to benefit the consumer too? Most people do not. Here are some ways in which laws related to debt collection can aid the person who owes the money. These laws are subject to change, but here are some of the main points to consider.

Debtor laws are designed to protect you from abusive behavior by your creditors. Creditors are allowed to take certain actions to collect on bad or outstanding debts. If you feel you are being harassed by a creditor, look into the laws concerning debt to ensure that the creditor is not going beyond the legal actions allowed for debt collections.

For example, creditors are not allowed to use physical force to collect their money. Nor may they use obscene or foul language when discussing your outstanding debts, or resort to slander to tarnish your reputation. Calling you about your debts outside of normal business hours is prohibited, although it seems to be a common tactic of collection agencies. The law also caps the amount of times per week that a creditor can call you regarding the outstanding balance.

Your creditors are not supposed to garnish your wages unless they have followed the proper procedures and processes specified by law. They are not allowed to get your employer involved in the debt dispute except to contact you personally. Creditors also are not legally allowed to contact your family, friends, or neighbors, except as a sole means to locate you. In fact, they should not be discussing your private debt issues with anyone but you, especially if they are using slander against you. They are not allowed to harm your character, because even good people need legal help with their debts.

The creditor is allowed to issue you a legal debt notice in writing detailing the type and amount of money owed. Furthermore, you as a consumer have the lawful right to dispute the debt, also in writing, if you feel there is an error in the information provided. If the creditor is using harassment tactics, you can ask them to desist in writing, and you should probably forward a copy of that letter to your lawyer too. Speaking of debt attorneys, if the creditor wishes to sue you to recover the monies owed, they must notify you by writing, and contact you only through your lawyer.

It seems that laws pertaining to debt collections are often ignored by overzealous collection agencies. However, there is a branch of debt law designed to protect the consumer from harassment and embarrassment with which they must comply.

Copyright 2008 by Doug Smith. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Unauthorized Duplication Prohibited. Not Intended As Professional Advice.